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UCF stays close to home to face off against Georgia Tech in a battle of plucky upstarts in the Gasparilla Bowl, played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Knights managed to push through and become the only Big 12 newcomer to reach bowl eligibility after winning three of their final four games. After dropping a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Texas Tech on Nov. 18, running back RJ Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-13 win over Houston to reach the postseason.
The Yellow Jackets had an even crazier path to bowl eligibility, upsetting previously ranked Miami and North Carolina and giving No. 1 Georgia a scare late. Despite playing one of the nation’s top rushing defenses, GT ran for more than 200 yards against the rival Bulldogs in a 31-23 loss. The bowl game is a perfect opportunity to build momentum for next season.
Georgia Tech and UCF played each other twice in the past four seasons. The Knights beat the Yellow Jackets in both matchups, including a 27-10 victory in Orlando in 2022. While not every player has announced, UCF and Georgia Tech have fewer than five major contributors expected to opt out of the bowl game. UCF cornerback Corey Thornton is the biggest loss after ranking top 10 on the team in tackles. However, the vast majority of playmakers should participate in the bowl game.
Georgia Tech vs. UCF: Need to know
High motivation: The level of motivation can be a major driver in bowl game interest, but both Georgia Tech and UCF should be excited to play. The Yellow Jackets have not played in a bowl game since 2018 but managed to get there behind first-year coach Brent Key. UCF has played in bowls over the past few years, but a win in the Gasparilla Bowl, just 100 miles from campus, would clinch a winning…
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Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2023-12-22 18:02:32
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